Imphal, December 09: Asserting that only cadres of the GPRN/NSCN were involved in yesterday's attack on the NSCN (IM) camp at Tousem sub-division in Tamenglong district, the NSCN (K) has accused the Assam Rifles personnel of aiding the NSCN(IM).

Identifying himself as publicity secretary in-charge of GPRN/NSCN (Zeliangrong Region), one Felix Bon clarified to The Sangai Express that cadres of Manipur People's Army or any other underground organisation were not involved in the offensive.

He also described as 'unfortunate' the report published by several State dailies linking MPA and other outfits to the attack, while accusing the NSCN (IM) of intentionally misreporting the matter to the media.

Accusing the rival faction of violating the ceasefire ground rules, Felix said the attack at the villages of Chraramba and Azuram was carried out to contain the NSCN (IM) activities in the area.

Elaborating on the matter, the secretary said the ceasefire ground rules stipulate that no operations should be carried out beyond designated camps and underground outfits, bound by the ceasefire, are not allowed to display arms or wear uniform.

However, as the NSCN (IM) cadres were indulging in expanding their camps and extended their activities beyond their designated camps, the GPRN cadres were compelled to attack the 60 member strong rival camps near the two villages.

In the clash five NSCN (IM) members were killed and over 10 suffered injuries, Felix claimed.

He also alleged that personnel 35 Assam Rifles and 5 Manipur Rifles stationed at Tamenglong district headquarters rushed to the encounter site to assist the NSCN (IM) and reminded the security forces that NSCN (K) is also a party to the peace process and had signed a truce pact with the Govt of India.

Further accusing the Assam Rifles personnel of taking positions at 6/7 strategic places in Barak Range and Keiphundai areas with the intention of targeting the NSCN (K) cadres, Felix demanded immediate withdrawal of the AR men to avoid violent repercussions.

Continuing his tirade against the security forces, the secretary contended that Assam Rifles personnel were involved in spreading false rumour that MPA and NSCN (K) cadres were preparing for a face off with the NSCN (IM) activists at the Barak Range villages.

Such undesired conduct of the security forces had' forced the villagers to flee from their homes fearing for their lives.

The AR men also fired several round of 2 inch mortar shells at the villages after the residents fled, he added.

Appealing to the villagers to return, Felix maintained that yesterday's attack was carried out at the precise location of the IM camps and there is no reason, for the villagers to leave their homes.

Claiming that NSCN (IM) camps at near Chraramba and Azuram villages have come under their control, the secretary informed that there is no casualty among NSCN (K) cadres involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, describing the situation in the aftermath of the rival UGs feud as tense, the Tamenglong district Deputy Commissioner is informed to have urged the Government for security reinforcement.

Information was also conveyed that relief camps have been opened at the district headquarters to shelter over 400 displaced villagers.

Meanwhile, police source disclosed that at least two persons who suffered bomb splinter wounds during the clash were admitted at the district hospital today morning.

Both were discharged after first aid.

The two have been identified as S/S sergeant Takamang Liangmai of Tharou and S/S Corporal Jackson from Jiribam.

Unofficial sources also informed that the rival factions engaged in the battle have sent in reinforcement from nearby strongholds.

A pregnant lady among is also reported to have delivered a baby at the Barak River bank.

Police are likely to reach the spot tomorrow to rescue the mother and child, the source added.

Even though top security force officials are tight lipped on the exact figure of casualty on either side, they contended that additional forces would be deployed at the district to avert further escalation of violence.

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